Dissonance Theory Revisited

Abstract

Two hypotheses derived from cognitive dissonance theory have been proposed to account for differing residential threat perceptions obtained in the wake of the occurrence of environmental disasters. One of these hypotheses predicts a dissonance-induced, threat denial response on the part of residents directly affected by an environmental hazard. The second hypothesis proposed by Festinger (1957) predicts a "threat enhancement response" from persons inhabiting areas not affected by an environmental hazard. The present survey investigation tested each of these hypotheses in the aftermath of a violent, "gangland style" explosion of an automobile in a residential area, The threat perceptions of residents of three apartment complexes differentially affected by the event were obtained by structured interviews. Evidence supportive of the presence of a threat enhancement response emerged, but no evidence for a threat denial response was obtained. The results were discussed in terms of the sufficient conditions necessary to obtain both threat denial and threat enhancement responses in the aftermath of environmental disasters in residentiai areas.